Hope Defazio
On Nov. 3, Monroe County held its annual Veterans Day parade. Numerous floats, children and veterans flooded the streets. Spreading respect for this important day. The parade started at Stroudsburg High School and ended at Dansbury Park.
The Veterans Affairs office at East Stroudsburg University (ESU), along with its student workers helps with hosting the parade and begins preparing as early as August. They assist with applications, lineup, setup, decorating and food preparation and handling.
Once the parade was over, all the participants celebrated at Dansbury Park. The national anthem was sung, “Taps” was played and the POW/MIA table was set. The veterans and supporters were ready to eat and celebrate.
Veterans ranged from those who served in World War II to those currently serving, and all celebrated peacefully. Highlighting the military bond formed between them, regardless of the wars they fought or their age.
To appeal to the younger crowd, the U.S. Army set up an outdoor rock-climbing activity to boost engagement, recruit and teach those who inquired about the military.
Mrs. June Pepe, the assistant registrar at ESU, is the main organizer of the parade. She has been doing this for 10 years and will continue until her retirement.
The parade participants included various veteran service organizations such as the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), Disabled American Veterans (DAV), Vietnam Veterans of America, the Monroe County Veterans Affairs office, local fire stations, bands and special interest groups. All were eager to return and be part of this tradition.
The parade ended with a closing ceremony performed by the Monroe County Joint Veterans Honor Guard. The ceremony included a three-volley salute and “Taps.” After this June Pepe, Amanda Matos and Hope De Fazio handed out approximately 250 hamburgers and hot dogs.
The three-volley salute is performed on Veterans Day to honor the service of the dead and symbolize their dedication to their service. The three shells from the guns represent Duty, Honor and Country. This tradition dates back to the European Dynastic Wars when peace was declared between both sides.
The militia would then clear the battlefield of the deceased and fire a three-volley salute to signal that the area was cleared and respected, allowing their fallen to have a proper and final goodbye. The Monroe County Veterans Affairs office also provided chips, desserts and drinks.
“The best part of the parade was the camaraderie and friendships made between those participating and those working,” said Pepe.
John McCarthy, a Navy veteran and current work-study student at the Veterans Affairs office, experienced the parade for the first time.
“It was very well put together. The food was great and I really enjoyed the ceremony at the end. I thought it was very touching. I will be attending next year to help out,” said McCarthy.
It has been another successful year for Monroe County and its appreciation for its veterans. If interested in helping out or attending next year’s parade, please reach out to June Pepe in Zimbar Hall at the Veterans Affairs Office.